Proper Use

This medicine should not be the first medicine you use to treat your condition. It is meant to be used only after you have tried other medicines that have not worked or have caused unwanted side effects.

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor, to benefit your condition as much as possible. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

It is very important that you understand the risks and benefits of felbamate before using it. You may also be asked to sign a patient/physician acknowledgment form and read the Medication Guide to make sure you understand the information about this medicine. Be sure to ask your doctor about anything you do not understand.

For patients taking the oral liquid form of this medicine:

Shake the bottle well before measuring the dose.

Use a specially marked measuring spoon, a plastic syringe, or a small marked measuring cup to measure each dose accurately. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

To lessen stomach upset, felbamate may be taken with food, unless your doctor has told you to take it on an empty stomach.

This medicine can be used with other seizure medicines. Keep using all of your seizure medicines unless your doctor tells you to stop.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For oral dosage forms (suspension or tablets):

For epilepsy:

Adults and teenagers 14 years of age and older—At first, usually 1200 milligrams (mg) per day, divided into three or four smaller doses. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose over several weeks up to 3600 mg per day.

Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For Lennox-Gastaut syndrome:

Adults and teenagers 14 years of age and older—At first, usually 1200 milligrams (mg) per day, divided into three or four smaller doses. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose over several weeks up to 3600 mg per day.

Children 2 to 14 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The starting dose is usually 15 mg per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, divided into three or four smaller doses. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose over a few weeks up to 45 mg per kg of body weight per day.

Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.